Through the 2nd Regional NGO Forum conducted last 4 December at Hotel Venezia in Legazpi City, NNC Bicol continued to intensify partnerships with local government and non-government organizations. Nine (9) NGOs from different parts of the Bicol region and eight (8) agency members of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) took part in the said event. Themed “NGO-GO Cooperation towards Optimal First 1000 Days”, the activity generally aimed to contribute to the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement, targeting to generate commitments in 2016 from stakeholders, with emphasis on the first 1000 days.

NPC Arlene R. Reario shared the presentation on “Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), The First 1000 Days”, highlighting that good nutrition in the first 1000 days sets the foundation on children's growth and development. NO III Valeza of NNC provided the input on Updated Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2014-2016. NPC Reario reiterated the significance of NGO-GO collaboration in nutrition action and improvement.

Sharing their experiences in nutrition program implementation during the panel discussion were Ms. Venus Laforteza, Health and Nutrition Specialist of World Vision Philippines and Ms. Natividad Cardel, City Nutrition Program Coordinator of Legazpi City. Ms. Laforteza discussed their Pinoy Nutrition Hub experience whereas CNPC Cardel imparted Legazpi City’s best practices towards optimal nutrition of mother and children.

Ms. Cristina Rico, Planning Officer II of DOH RO V led the workshop to firm up initial investments and re-align future commitments of NGOs along the PPAN priority actions.
Collaborative efforts of various sectors and not through a single spoon alone will accelerate action towards a well-nourished citizenry. With positive responses and commitments from participating NGOs, the door for scaling up nutrition interventions in the Bicol region was further widened.